Follow Natasha as she makes her WBFF DIVA BIKINI debut!!

The Bucket List....

In March 2016, I attended carnival in Trinidad. That was the first time I didn’t want to take a full length picture of myself because I was not pleased with how my body looked.  Now 2016 was also the year in which I was turning 40. I had set out in my mind that I was going to compose a list of 40 things to accomplish in 2016 to celebrate this milestone birthday.  One of those things was getting fit and being healthy. A dear friend took me to one of Malenna’s interest meetings and instantly I knew I wanted to get fit and healthy with her assistance.  One thing she did say was ‘I’m going to get you to compete.” My response was “Whatever.  I’m just here to get fit & healthy.”  Over the next few years it was a struggle and I found my weight & my drive to continue my journey waxed & waned.


Last April, I attended the Fitness Atlantic show and I sat in that audience looking at all those contestants on stage.   I turned to my friend & said ‘I’m competing next year.’  I ran up to Malenna and told her the news.  She put me on her calendar and the rest is history!!!!  This has been no easy journey but getting closer to the finish line, I can say it has been worth it!  The things that I will carry through beyond this journey are the importance of self-care and discipline.  I have put in the work, blood, lots of sweat and oh yes some tears so Fitness Atlantic here I come!!!

Follow Tiffany as she makes her Diva Fitness Debut!!!

This time it was for me....

As a coach, you interview different people for programs and pick up on whether you feel a person is coachable, able to attain the goals they have for themselves, and most importantly, if they will follow through. I remember meeting Tiffany and after her interview thinking most people with her history either do really well, or really poorly.  As a coach, we also take a guess at what we think that outcome to be, because we have to decide whether we want to move forward with a program with the athlete...If it's worth the time. I figured she would make it through, I just didn't imagine the strength and growth I would witness in her in such a short amount of time. Now we stand...her first fitness show tomorrow and a progress picture to die for.  Help us in congratulating Ms Tiffany Vazquez on her Diva Fitness and Bikini debut.

When asked what was her why....

I have always been into fitness off and on my entire life, but this time around it was different for me. At the time I was in a real toxic place in my life, where I was suffering from stress, anxiety and depression. I knew I needed to change my whole entire surroundings and remove negativity from my circle. I wanted to get back to me and being comfortable in my own skin. I used to bounce around the idea of competing to others but, I was quickly shot down. Till one day I went to a competition show to see my closest friend compete. I saw how hard she worked and how beautiful she looked and honestly that gave me the drive to tell myself if she can do it so can I. 

But This training and prep has been more than that to me. It has been a healing process and recovery for me. Each day that passes I get stronger not only physically but mentally as well. It taught me self worth, discipline and never give up on yourself. You are stronger than you think. 

The plus of this entire prep was the amazing new people I met. I’ve never meet such strong, beautiful and ambitious ladies. They helped my temendously and I would not be here or doing this without their help. I feel so happy and humbled to be doing my 1st show at Atlantic Fitness and doing it with my true friends and supporters. One thing I been tell myself all the time is : 

I am my own competition, I’m competing with myself. 

Be better than you were yesterday. 

Follow Ashley as she makes her WBFF Debut

From Foodie to Fitness....

I started on this competition journey because I was tired of always telling myself I can’t do something because of this and that. I was tired of all the excuses I came up with. Always doubting myself, thinking negatively, having fears about whatever popped up in my crazy head. What introduced me to do one was my sister's competition. Tiffany competed last year at the WBFF Fitness Atlantic show. When I watched her go through this grueling process and saw the final result, I was so inspired. I couldn’t believe how she and all these girls on stage went through this and actually survived! That night my sister ended up winning first place in her division and received her pro card. I was so proud of her because I witnessed all she had to endure and how much she worked at it. I was truly moved by her hard work and how it all paid off in the end!

But even after I saw my sister compete I still wasn’t really sold. I knew what to expect because I saw her go through it. I saw all the foods she couldn’t have at the end of it and how much time she had to put in at the gym.  I thought I could never do this because I love food way too much. Anyone that knows me knows my love for food! But then something changed and I wanted something more. I was tired of the excuses I gave myself. I wanted to challenge myself in every way possible and I knew competing would do that. My sister was the first one to tell me I could do this. I was shocked at how confident in me she was. I talked with her about it and told her my worries mainly about the food I know I wouldn't be able to have. But then she said, it's not like you won't ever have the foods you love ever again. And I realized she was right. It would only be for a period of time where I couldn't have what I wanted. Right then I knew I wanted to compete not only to see myself physically change but also to see my mentality change. I needed to do this to prove to myself that I could. To be able to shut up all the negative things I kept telling myself. From there, I went to an Elite Heat Comp prep workshop and learned everything I needed to know. I told Tiffany’s coach, Malenna I was ready to compete and the rest is history.

Doing this competition was never about me winning against someone else. It has always been about winning against myself.  When I get on stage, I don’t care about what the other competitors, judges, family, friends, coaches think of me. The only thing that matters that day is what I think of myself. That day is for me to realize how much hard work I put into this, waking up at 5:00 AM to do fasted cardio knowing I am not a morning person, lifting after work, spending hours in the kitchen making meals for the week, eating the same bland meals every day, not being able to eat foods that I enjoy, all the social events I couldn’t attend, staying in the gym for 3-4 hours to get all my workouts in. It was about all the challenges I dealt with on a day to day basis that tested my discipline and dedication with how badly I wanted to do this. I wanted more than anything to be better than the person I was before.

This journey has not only made me a better person but it also gave me confidence about myself that I needed. Comp prep was everything I expected and more. It did exactly what I wanted it to do. It has challenged me in every way possible from the food to the workouts. I look at what I have accomplished and what I have learned about myself through this process and it truly amazes me. I learned that if I want something bad enough I will do anything to get it. I’ve learned that I am stronger than I ever gave myself credit for. I am disciplined, have the drive and focus to accomplish whatever I want in life. It has made me a more confident person and believer in myself. I couldn’t be prouder of the person I am becoming!

The one thing that will always stay with me is what I have been telling myself from the beginning of this journey is I am my only competition when I am on stage and even more so when I am off. Nothing can stop me from what I want to accomplish but me! So, in my eyes, I am already a winner no matter the outcome because I did everything I said I couldn’t do and more. That to me is priceless and worth more than first place. I am so happy and grateful I decided to do this and can’t wait to make my debut on stage!! 

WBFF Fit Model and Bikini Competitor Jasmine

Normally, the write ups are submitted from the athlete's perspective. Since this athlete posted from a previous show, we are doing something different and presenting from the coach's angle.

"Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it, or learn from it.' -- The Lion King

COACH's CORNER

When I was choosing pictures for this write up, the above picture was EVERYTHING, but let me start from the beginning. 

Jas joined the team 2 years ago, almost exactly. At 22, she was the youngest on our team and if her energy and spunky attitude didn't tell you that, the fact that she hails at a towering 5 feet tall didn't help.  Working with her initially was a different challenge. Most of the ladies were older, already working professionals, some married so priorities SLIGHTLY different than a young, fresh out of college sorority girl. We had to put things like parties, alcohol and junk food on the back burner. Jas has always had an amazing support system so with the help of her mother (food preparer), father (motivator) and sister (voice of reason) she pulled things together and in the fall of the same year, competed in her first show, WBFF Rhode Island. Placing top 5 in her first, show, she did really well coming out of the blocks.

Second show quickly approached the following summer, WBFF NY 2015. She graced the stage with 6 other ladies from the team and took a stab at the Fit Model category.  She didn't have a placement in this show, and I knew she was disappointed, but she was determined to hit the stage again. She had her sister's wedding to prepare for later that year, and financially, as well as mentally wanted to be in the right mindset so decided to wait until at least spring of 2016. At the end of 2015, we revisited the conversation and moved forward with a fresh mindset but also an accountability change. How the stage isn't owned by your competition, but by you. How you need to bring your BEST no matter who shows up because THAT is the only thing within your control. How WINNING is about your mentality, and perception. Not the judgement of 5-7 strangers sitting at a long table in front of you.

 

FAST forward to the first picture. The GIRL I met 2 years ago has grown to the WOMAN pictured above. Focused, dedicated, hard working, determined, relentless,..unbroken. It's one thing to try something. You don't always win, and you don't always get what you want. The winners get up, and try again and again, knowing that the outcome isn't as important as getting better. 

Jasmine has continued to bring a better package each time to the stage...July 30th is no exception. Check out her updates on IG @jleeabreu and visit www.wbffshows.com for ticket info if you are in the area!!

Follow Tanisha as she makes her WBFF Transformation Debut!

When the party stops....

I started this journey because I knew that I was overweight and needed to start working out and eating right to lose weight. I decided to put the party girl on hold for a bit and started on a consistent workout program doing boot camps along with changing my eating habits and started to see progress and wanted to keep it up. I never knew about fitness competitions. Once I found out about them, it was something that I did not have any interest in doing.  One day, I asked myself what did I need to to push me to get into shape and live a healthy lifestyle and the solution that I came up with was to prepare for a fitness competition.

I have learned a lot on this journey. At one point, I wasn't comfortable using all of the equipment in the gym but this journey forced me to do what I needed to do in the gym which has now made me super comfortable using all the equipment.  I've learned what works for me nutrition wise, what doesn't and how hard I can push myself in the gym.  How and when to listen to my body and when my mind is telling me yes but my BODY is telling me no. The journey has mentally strengthened me.  I have leaned self control on a different level.  This journey has also been a bit hard health wise since I have type 1 diabetes.  Finding that balance with working out so often, having a limited diet and maintaining stable blood sugar levels has run into some challenges.  I've encountered more than enough hypoglycemic episodes trying to maintain the balance. Through the challenges though, I am still here fighting through to the end.  I am happy that this journey is nearing its' end. I look forward to walking the stage this weekend.

Follow Yamilett as she makes her WBFF Diva Bikini Debut !!!

The Author of MY Story

" If you want something you've never had, you've got to do something you've never done." Let's hit it off with this delightful quote! BUT first let me apologize for any improper grammar due to no carbs and water depletion.  Hope I didn't scare any of you just yet. I promise, it will only get better from here.

I was born and raised in the Bronx, and I have two amazing, supportive sisters.  I was never interested in sports, let alone fitness. My theory was always " I don't run unless I am being chased, and if I am being chased by a dog, I won't even attempt it."  LAUGH if you must, but this is the God honest truth!  I was always very diffident.  My mother, as much as I love her, always told me " In this world, you will only have your family. Your friends are your family. That's it" As I grew older, I realized she was wrong.  As bad as this may sound, don't always listen to your mother.  This caused me to have very few friends. I portrayed a cold, inapproachable, self centered person.  I obviously was controlled by my mother's beliefs and it was time to put a stop to it.   I was not happy with the person I portrayed to the world.  With all these emotions running through me, I finally came to a decision...I got a dog.  I figured why not get a dog.?!!??!  Yeah.....that didn't work.  I worked 40 hours a week and attended a university full time. My poor puppy experienced depression.  For her sake, after a wonderful year, I shipped her to my aunt in Florida.  My puppy is healthy as can be now, sipping on a pina colada somewhere. :)

Months later, I started feeling depressed again.  I needed some excitement in my life.  I was tired of living a routine life, and I needed to step out of my comfort zone.  I ad the privilege of attending my friend Laura's WBFF competition show, and in that particular moment, I fell in love!  It was the perfect change I had been seeking.

My main focus was never to compete.  The competition was the ultimate push to complete my fitness journey.  My first encounter with my coach Malenna was seamless.  ( I swear I am not just saying this cause I know she will eventually read it. She is truly amazing! See for yourself! ) :)  Of course, I was nervous, and frightened. I never imagined I would stick through it.  BUT GUESS WHAT!?!? I am currently 6 days from my first WBFF competition and couldn't be more ecstatic. This wasn't a walk in the park.  I approached this journey with blindfolded. I didn't know what 'macros' were. I hadn't ever been in GNC, and the only gym I ever attended was my school gym.  (because it was mandatory)  OH, and Lucielle Roberts, because it was strictly for females.  I still don't know how to perform a perfect squat, but give it time, I am almost there!  Hope I didn't bore you just yet. IF you got this far, please read a little further.  It's time to get to the nitty gritty as to why I believe this team is so friggin awesome!

Our first team retreat was in Jan of this year, and was eventful.  I was a little skeptical about attending.  These girls didn't know me from a hole in the wall. How can they like me?!  But I was wrong!  All the ladies shared a similar purpose. A purpose to grow, better themselves, motivate others and to encourage one another.  It was such a pleasant retreat, it actually made it much easier to stick around and witness everyone's success.  To this day, these girls are a part of my family. Not blood, but certainly by choice. To have the privilege to be a part of a team with such beautiful, talented, motivated females really just inspires me to become everything I've ever wanted to be. Having so many people believe in you, even at the lowest point when you stop believing in yourself, is enough to keep you going.

I've come to realize I am my own worst enemy.  However, I knew if I allowed fear to over take me, my journey would be ruined.  I believe fear is born of a story we tell ourselves. From this point forward, I choose to tell myself a different story.  Insisting on being fearless is a form of mind control.  I refuse to let myself become afraid.  In 6 days, I will step on stage alongside my girls and we will relinquish any negativity we may have encountered.  We will continue encouraging one another because we are the Elite Heat and that is what we believe!

Follow Tiffany as she makes her WBFF Diva Bikini DEBUT!!!

My journey to the stage is a funny one. I look back and think, "How did I get here?".  It seems it was always in the cards for me....

I'm 5'11" with an athletic build.  The athletic build is really accredited to my "Johnson shoulders"  Everyone in my family has them. Like we never needed shoulder pads!  I was a competitive cheerleader in high school.  We were required to run a mile, lift and fly girls in the air and get though a three minute routine with a smile.  Don't get me wrong.  I considered myself an athlete as a cheerleader because all of those things were hard, challenging, and took team work to accomplish.  But I kept getting pegged for this 'athlete' who played some kind of ball, swam or ran some kind of race. The truth was, that I hated gym class and really hated when they would make us go to the weight room.  My idea of fit was on some kind of cardio machine or in cheer practice. A girl had no business being in the weight room.  It didn't help either when I entered college that I was the manager on the girls' basketball team.  People still think I played on the team. Clearly they didn't attend any games.

A few years later, I was living in Brooklyn and joined a gym.  Fitness had always been in my life.  As a kid, my mother was a jazzercise queen.  So, it was natural to join a gym and get back on the elliptical, take some dance classes and lose some weight.  I had gained a few pounds during my transition from the quiet suburbs of NJ to the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, and the abundance of fast food places open after 9PM!!!  That's where I discovered pole fitness. After months and months of practice, I was able to lift myself up in the air and do 'tricks' while I was up there.  I was addicted. It had become my adult cheerleading.  I had completely forgotten about losing weight and just focused on sticking the next 'trick'.  Before I knew it, my athletic build was showing up even more and I could do pushups and pull ups with ease.  I was getting stopped on the train with people asking me how I got my arms so toned  The faces when I told the what I was doing was hilarious.

I was amazed how stron I was getting , how much I loved my new body with muscle tone and wanted to get stronger, but just didn't know how.  I heard it over and over again to get in the weight room.  But that place was just not a place I saw many women. I didn't like the idea of being in that area with a bunch of dudes who would probably be looking at  like why is she here.  In reality, I would be looking at myself asking 'why are you here?  You have no clue what you are doing'

I continued to take bootcamp classes where the free weights were bright colors and I had an instructor tell me what to do.  I loved it all so much that it grew into me teaching not only conditioning classes, but also pole classes.

I was teaching 4-6 times a week and really loving every moment of it. As an instructor you don't realize how much you influence people's lives.  I had many students come to me and tell me how grateful they were for the words I said in class or pushing them to their limit, only for them to exceed what they thought they could do.  This in turn made me think about my limits.  How could I push Tiffany above and beyond what she thought she could do

Luckily, I ran into a friend/coworker at the pole studio and I noticed her dramatic weight loss and muscle gain. I asked her immediately ' What are you doing? What is your secret?' You look amazing.

She told me she was competing. I naturally thought she meant pole. Instructors at the studio are always competing. She told me about a bikini competition.  We had a pretty lengthy discussion about the process and what she was doing and when it was, I was so intrigued.  I went on to teach class and she said if I was interested to let her know.  Weeks had gone by and I thought maybe this was the challenge I was looking for? Maybe I can set this goal to one day hit the stage, and work really hard and 'leave it all on the floor' as we would say in cheerleading.

My first bootcamp with Malenna had transpired shortly after.  And after the first class, I knew she would be a great coach.  I started with her transformation programs to get me into the groove adn told her I was interested in competing in the future, but not right now. I had just gotten engaged and now it was about being fit for the wedding, but after the wedding I was super serious about this bikini competition thing.



A week after my wedding, I emailed Malenna and told her 2015 was the year I was going to do this. Set a goal, work hard, and 'leave it on the floor'. I knew a few things about this journey from the start.
1. Getting my husband on board was going to be a challenge .  2. I would have to tackle that weight room I had been ignoring since high school. 3. It would be both challenging mentally and physcially 4. with God all things are possible.

This Journey
I can say that after 6 weeks of nagging my husband to compete, he finally said 'yes'  After a few more weeks, he finally asked the details of what it all entails, showing his undivided attention and full support of my competition.  I am happy to say I now help out guys in the weight room. HA!  I feel very comfortable asking to use a machine or jump in on sets.  I am well respected in any gym I set foot in, and even get called a 'beast' with some of the crazy things my coach has me doing.  The weight training has actually empowered me not only as a woman, but as a human.  I will never set limits on my capabilities. I also know life hands us these huge challenges and honestly if I can give up cheese and bread, life's challenges are a piece of cake...had to give that up too!

I initially set this goal to challenge myself, which I did. What I didn't expect were the extra things that came along with this journey 1. A greater understanding of self worth and self love. 2. The woman's body is incredible and to love it during every stage and change (6 pack rolls, 6 pack abs, pre/post baby body) 3. if you give it your all, you will always win 4. the new friendships of 3 amazing ladies who have shared this journey with me 5. I am and will always be an athlete. 6. My love and admiration for my coach. She is one incredible woman. 7. An even stronger belief that with God all things are possible.

I set a goal...I worked hard...and on April 11th, I'll leave it on the floor....

Photo Credit SXF Photography

Follow Kiya as she makes her WBFF Diva Bikini DEBUT!!!

Throughout my adolescence, I was always active in extra-curricular activities such as sports, theatre, and dance, to name a few. As I became an adult, I wanted to 'be healthy' so I joined a gym near my job and started taking classes, as I didn't want to be that person attempting to use the free weights.  I made sure I got a weight class or two in during the week and not just cardio dance classes.  My weight would fluctuate between 5-10 pounds at any given time and getting to my 'dream weight' always seemed so far away.

I found out about The Elite Heat through my boyfriend's cousin, Daphne. She had recently competed in Fitness Atlantic (2014) and her body looked amazing.  I thought to myself "Wow, she looks great. I need to get my body like that."  A few months passed an she posted about having an informational workshop in July for people interested in competing.  At the time, I thought there would be a slight possibility I may go on stage, but I wanted to see what the Elite Heat was all about.

I subsequently attended the formal workshop with the other potential competitors and current Elite Heat members.  I got a more in depth perspective on the world of bodybuilding.  I still wasn't 100% sure about competing, but it increased my interest even more.  The next weekend was the WBFF NYC show in Manhattan, so I talked my friend into going with me and we attended the preliminary morning show.  There were 5 women from the Elite Heat competing in the show, and I needed to see for myself what competing was all about.  Once I saw the show, I was sold on what my next step would be..competing in my first fitness show! I didn't know much about the show, but I knew the federation was for me.  The glitz, glam and pageantry of the WBFF had me sold!

During and after the show, I saw the comraderie of the Elite Heat team and thought that was something I wanted to be a part of. I officially started my preparatin and training in August and it was definitely a shock to my system because of all the foods I couldn't eat and getting used to my new workout regiment.  However, I stuck with it, and completed a 24 day cleanse and I lost 7lbs.  I was losing weight, however, I cannot continue to eal all the foods I like forever. I slowly re-introduced those foods in to my system in hopes of a happy medium.








Speed up to three months and Thanksgiving, and I partook in my last 'unhealthy' meal knowing that the following week, I would officially begin my competition diet and workout plan for my competition in April.  Being 18 weeks out seemed so far away, and I was down a total of 12 lbs since I had started. Looking at pictures of some of my Elite Heat members, I was still in disbelief about how I would become show ready with a toned body in only 5 months.  My family thought I was crazy for doing a competition .  I started to to see my body change, and wanted to continue my journey.  Now I stand 30 lbs lighter, and I feel the best about myself in a very long time.  With 4 days left until my first competition, I cannot wait to make my debut at FITNESS ATLANTIC on April 11th!!!

Go April Inferno!!

Cary - WBFF Diva Bikini Competitor

Leading by example....

WBFF New England 2013

Why am I competing again? And why this show ?

To be honest, it was a struggle to commit to it at the beginning.  I kept questioning whether I was ready or not. I questioned more the MENTAL aspect than the physical. Then, I wondered, once my mind caught up, will my body be stage ready on time? Blood , sweat, tears , discipline and hard work all go into competing. I wasn't so worried about giving up my guilty pleasures such as peanut butter , chocolate , wine and social gatherings with friends and family (well perhaps a little), It was more about failure.





Failure of starting something and not finishing it all the way through. I then decided that the not knowing is what probably would be worse.  As a teacher I lecture my students all the time about having to work hard to achieve their goals and to not think of how long it would take them because the time will go by anyway. So, here I go. I hope I can be a good role model and set an example to others to crush their goals either way regardless of their starting point or how long it will take them. We just have to be willing to put in the work.

I also can't imagine a better place to walk on stage than in Times Square NYC. I'm a Brooklyn born and raised girl and I'm proud to represent my home town.

ATTENTION all FITNESS COMPETITORS and POSSIBLE Competitors!!

COMPETITION Prep WORKSHOP THIS SATURDAY..

If you have ever been interested in competing, may be competing in the near future, or just want to see what it's all about, this workshop is for you. We will go over all aspects of competition from posing, suits, color selection, themewear, YES THEMEWEAR for some, gowns, etc.

Coaches, trainers, makeup artists, pro athletes and other competitors will be on hand to answer questions and provide a wealth of knowledge so you are prepared to take that next step if you choose. Don't miss this opportunity.

DATE:  July 19th
TIME : 11-2
PLACE : Disclosed upon registration
EMAIL us at info@jointheheat.com to sign up or if you have questions

And the Trophy Goes To......

How'd they do?

Daphne

Laura

A few days ago you were introduced to Daphne and Laura, our newest fitness competitors in prep.  Each of them shared their personal journey, the reasons they wanted to compete and the struggle of competition prep. Their debut occurred in Wallingford, Connecticut, just this past weekend.  Bikini, Fit Model, Muscle Model, Figure and Male Fit Model athletes from all over graced the stage in over 4-6 hours of comparisons, posing, quarter turns and pose downs.

We hopped in our SUV rental early Friday morning and made the 2 hour drive to an unknown and exciting fate. Friday, after arriving at the hotel, we could rest, get situated, hopefully nap, but energies were flying all afternoon. We made a trip to the local Walgreens for incidentals and once we made it back to the hotel, we needed to get ready for the athletes meeting.  At this meeting, the ladies were to be informed of the agenda for the following day so their attendance was mandatory. After the meeting, we grabbed dinner just to get together one last time before the big and long day.

Dinner !

Daphne and Laura ready for the athlete's meeting!

Saturday morning began at 5am with hair and makeup, determinations on meals, tanning, and packing for backstage. By 9am, we had to be at the venue and ready to hit the stage. Showtime began promptly at 10am. When the ladies for bikini short filed onto the stage, we thought the line would never end. 44 ladies later, all the athletes were on the stage and ready for comparisons. The competition was long, and tough. 

Backstage before prelims

All the athletes in the bikini short division

Prelims occurred in the morning. We had a small break, and then went back to the theater for finals. This show had all the lights and glamour Fitness Atlantic delivers every year for their audience.  I had the distinct honor and pleasure of being a presenter during the awards ceremony and looked on at the table of trophies wondering if two of these were going to our girls.

 How did they do? See for yourself :) Our next show is May 17th...Stay tuned.

Daphne Espinal 2nd place- Bikini Masters

Laura Gutierrez- 5th place - Bikini Short